How to Apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan in Nova Scotia

Looking to reduce your energy bills and invest in clean energy? The Canada Greener Homes Loan is an interest-free financing program that supports homeowners making energy-efficient upgrades — including solar panel installations throughout Nova Scotia.

If you’re ready to go solar, this guide will walk you through the steps to apply through the official Nova Scotia Greener Homes Loan portal, with full support from the team at 1st Electric.

Step A: Schedule Your Home Energy Assessment with 1st Electric

Before you can move forward with the Canada Greener Homes Loan, you’ll first need to have a Home Energy Assessment completed at your residence — and that’s where we come in.

Click here to learn more about Home Energy Assessments and the available Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates. To schedule your assessment, contact 1st Electric by phone at (902) 830-1226 or email us at info@1stelectric.ca.

Step B: How to Begin Your Greener Homes Loan Application

Before you apply:
If you’ve already received full or partial payment through the Greener Homes Grant, you’ll need to book a new Home Energy Assessment through 1st Electric to qualify for the loan. Once your new assessment is completed and submitted to the federal portal, you can continue your application by logging into the Greener Homes Loan platform and proceeding to step 3.

Starting Your Greener Homes Loan Application

1. Begin by visiting www.cghli.ca.
2. Select “Register” under Option 2: Sign-Up to create your account.
3. Once your account is set up, log in to the portal to begin the application process.
4. Click “New Application” and agree to the terms and conditions. A copy of these terms will also be sent to your email.

Eligibility Confirmation

You’ll first be asked to confirm your eligibility for the loan.

• Choose your applicant type
• Enter your Renovation Upgrade Report File Number
• Confirm that you meet the listed requirements by checking the agreement box
• Click Continue

Note:

• Your EnerGuide evaluation must be dated after April 1, 2020
• Your Energy Advisor must have uploaded your evaluation to the federal portal (indicated when your file shows as “submitted”)

Applicant Details

You’ll be shown your basic contact information and asked to confirm your date of birth. If you’re applying with a co-borrower, you can add their details at this step. Click Continue to move on.

Property Information

Next, you’ll provide more specific details about the home where the retrofits will be done. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this section.

Choosing Your Retrofit Options

You’ll now be asked to enter the details of your planned upgrades, including:

• Type of retrofit
• Chosen contractor
• Quoted cost
• Quoted deposit amount

Note:

• Only retrofits recommended in your energy evaluation will appear in the list.
• If you don’t see the correct upgrade, use the Reload button or contact support via the contact info at the bottom of the page.
• The maximum initial advance available is 15% of your eligible project costs.

Household Income

Enter your individual income (not your co-borrower’s). If you’re applying jointly, your co-applicant will enter their information separately. Click Continue to proceed.

Assets & Debts

List your assets and liabilities in this section. Your home will already be included as an asset. Click Continue to proceed.

Upload Required Documents

This section requires uploading any outstanding documentation, such as:

• Property tax records
• Proof of primary residence
• Income verification
• Contractor estimates (e.g. from 1st Electric)

Once uploaded, click Continue.

Review & Submit Your Application

This final page will provide a full overview of your application.

• Carefully review all information
• If something looks incorrect, do not submit — reach out to the support contacts listed at the bottom of the page

Important:

• You can begin your upgrades after this step, but loan approval is not guaranteed at this stage.
• If you’re approved for an initial advance, it will appear on this overview page.
• Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and you’ll receive email updates as your status changes.

Step C: Requesting Funds After Loan Approval

Once your loan has been approved, you’ll be able to move forward by reviewing and signing your loan agreement online.

1. Go to www.cghli.ca and log in
2. Click “Home” in the top menu, then select “Go to Loan Application”
3. From the Application Overview, click “Proceed to Loan Offer”
4. The loan offer is valid for 30 days — be sure to sign electronically within this window
5. Once signed by all parties, return to the overview page and select “Request Funding”

At this point, you’ll have 12 months to:

• Submit your final funding request
• Complete your retrofit work
• Book your post-retrofit energy assessment

You’ll be asked to:

• Confirm your retrofit selections
• Upload final invoices
• Verify or enter your banking info
• Click Submit Funding Request

Your application status will update to “Funding Requested.” Funds are typically deposited within 10 business days following approval.

Ready to Get Started with Solar?

1st Electric is a locally owned, Efficiency NS Preferred Contractor offering professional solar installation across Nova Scotia.
Click here to explore your solar options and get a quote.